Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has uncovered a Syrian gang accused of raising funds from mosques by masquerading as victims of the Gaza conflict, India Today reported.

One member of the group, identified as Ali Meghat Al-Azhar, was arrested while staying in India on a tourist visa.

Police said Al-Azhar and his associates had been soliciting donations in Gujarat under the pretext of supporting Gaza war victims.

During interrogation, Al-Azhar admitted the money was being diverted to “fund their lavish lifestyle,” according to the crime branch.

Three of his accomplices remain absconding and are believed to have also entered India on tourist visas, in violation of visa norms.

The crime branch described the gang’s activities as a matter of “serious concern” for internal security.

“Such activities can pose a threat to the country’s internal security,” it said in a statement, noting that both state and central agencies are probing the motive behind the fund collection and its possible utilisation.

Authorities have begun proceedings to blacklist and deport the arrested accused.